Breast Cancer Awareness: Early Detection Signs Everyone Should Know

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a great time to make sure you’re checking your breasts properly and get into the habit of regular checking!

Breast cancer can feel like a very scary subject but the more we know about how to look out for breast cancer symptoms and what to do if we find them, the easier it will be to catch early signs of breast cancer and prevent it spreading.

How to check your breasts

If you can get into the habit of checking your breasts once a month or more often you will be putting yourself in a good position to catch any breast cancer signs early - which can be crucial for effective treatment. 

By checking regularly you will get to know your normal, meaning it will be easier for you to notice when things change. You might find checking while you’re in the shower or after you get out is the easiest way to do it but any time is helpful. And remember that this guide applies to breast cancer in men too as men’s bodies also have breast tissue.

Start by looking at your breasts in the mirror. This is so you can see any visible changes that are different for you. Check with your arms by your side and with arms raised as there is also breast tissue in the armpits.

Using your fingers, feel all around each breast and up to the collarbone as well as the armpit on both sides. Make sure to also feel over and around both nipples. Move your fingers around in circular motions to cover every area.

As well as looking out for visible changes such as discolouration, you are looking out for signs including:

Lumps/Thickening - breast cancer lumps are usually hard but this doesn’t definitely mean it is cancer. This is the most common breast cancer sign to look out for. If the breast tissue feels thicker than normal or the areas around it, it’s good to get this checked out.

Swelling - breast swelling can be a sign of something more serious but can also happen due to hormonal changes such as during your period but if you are unsure, book an appointment with your doctor. 

Dimpling/Rashes - any changes to the skin texture.

Nipples - any differences in the look or feel of your nipples are always good to get checked out.

Pain - any unusual pain in the breast area should be checked with a doctor as soon as possible.

Itchy breast - unusual itching in the breast tissue area or nipples.

What does breast cancer look like?

While there are a range of symptoms of breast cancer, it’s important to remember that breasts are all different and not every change means cancer. Many people with breasts find that they are different sizes or shapes to each other and there are also multiple reasons for lumps to appear in this area. 

The most important thing is to get any changes or concerns checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Lumps in the breast (for both women & men) are likely to be hard and irregularly shaped and are usually painless. Inflammatory breast cancer may look different to more common breast cancers and might mean the whole breast becomes inflamed and sore with changes to the skin texture.

How breast cancer is diagnosed

If you make an appointment with your doctor after finding something out of the ordinary for you, they will most likely perform an initial breast examination and might examine around this area. They may ask questions about your health and family history to get a better picture of the likelihood of breast cancer.

You may then be referred to a breast clinic where different tests can be carried out such as a mammogram, an ultrasound, or a biopsy.

In the UK, the NHS runs a breast screening programme where women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited to go for a screening every three years. This is an important regular check where a mammogram is taken. This is an X-ray of your breasts which can show breast cancer signs which may not yet be big enough to see or feel. Catching these signs early makes it easier to treat the cancer. 

Remember to check!

October is a great time to start checking your breasts or to book a breast screening if you are due one. But making breast checking into a regular habit is a quick and easy way to get to know what's normal for you and catch any changes early.

And when you've checked yourself, send a quick reminder to the other people in your life to remind them to do the same!

You can shop our Light Pink Collection and make a difference to cancer charities. We donate £1 for every item purchased which goes to organisations providing help and support to those struggling with cancer.

 

Keep reading for more health tips and information:

Can I have breast cancer and feel fine?

The amazing work of Future Dreams: Revolutionising breast cancer support

Are your cleaning products impacting your hormones?

 

Images courtesy of Y.O.U Underwear & Canva.